Forest Road 162 Kennison Mountain Loop
Kennison Mountain's forgotten mining roads
Forest Road 162 wraps around Kennison Mountain’s weathered shoulders like an old mining road that forgot to quit. This 18-mile loop through Monongahela National Forest starts near Durbin and climbs through second-growth hardwood before breaking into open meadows at 3,800 feet. The real test comes at Stony Bottom Creek, where spring runoff can turn a simple ford into a proper water crossing that’ll have you checking your diff breather.
Moderate difficulty demands stock 4WD with decent ground clearance — those creek rocks will find your oil pan if you’re careless. Best tackled April through October when the roads aren’t gated for winter closures. No permits needed, just grab fuel in Durbin and pack extra water. Multiple primitive camping spots dot the ridgeline, and the payoff is worth the rattle: 360-degree views of the Greenbrier Valley that stretch clear to Virginia on clear days.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3800 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Durbin, WV |
| Land manager | Monongahela National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle FR 162 without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — factory skid plates and a proper low-range transfer case matter here. Lifted or modified rigs will have more margin on the creek crossings and rutted climbing sections, but a capable stock rig driven carefully can complete it.
When does FR 162 typically open after winter, and are there any seasonal closures?
April through October is the reliable window — Monongahela National Forest forest roads at this elevation often hold snow and mud well into March. Check with the Marlinton Ranger District before an early-season run, as seasonal road closures can push access back further in wet years.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp on it?
No permit required to drive or camp dispersed on Monongahela National Forest land here. Dispersed camping is free; standard forest rules apply — 14-day stay limit, camp 200 feet from water and roads, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what should I actually expect?
The creek crossings are where the trail earns its moderate rating — water depth and current vary significantly with recent rainfall, and the banks can be steep and slick. Probe crossings on foot first if you're unsure, and expect some rocky shelf road climbing on the Kennison Mountain grades with limited room to recover a mistake.
Is there reliable water on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There's creek water on the route but treat everything — this is working forest land with cattle and wildlife upstream. Durbin, WV is your last fuel stop and it's small, so top off before you leave; the nearest full-service town is Elkins, roughly 50 miles north.
Trail track
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